Triangle Limited has suspended ethanol production and activated emergency containment measures after a structural failure at one of its stillage ponds on November 27 released an estimated 16 megalitres of waste into several river systems in Masvingo Province.
The company, a subsidiary of Tongaat Hulett, confirmed that the spill — a thick, molasses-based by-product of ethanol manufacturing — entered the Cheche, Mutirikwi and Runde rivers. The Environmental Management Agency has been monitoring the situation in collaboration with Triangle.
Stillage rapidly depletes dissolved oxygen in water, creating conditions that can suffocate fish and other aquatic organisms. Authorities have already recorded fish deaths downstream of the spill.
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Triangle said repair work is underway at the damaged pond and ethanol operations remain halted to prevent any further discharge. Joint assessment teams from Triangle, EMA and the Zimbabwe National Water Authority are conducting water quality tests across the affected rivers and implementing measures to limit ecological damage.
Communities dependent on the rivers have been warned against drinking untreated water or consuming fish from contaminated sections — specifically the Cheche River below Triangle Mill, the Mutirikwi River from the low-level Mpapa Bridge, and the Runde River below its confluence with the Mutirikwi.
Triangle management said restoration efforts are being prioritised under the supervision of environmental authorities.
“We apologise for the inconvenience arising out of this unfortunate occurrence and are committed to restoring environmental safety as quickly as possible,” the company said, adding that more updates will be shared as rehabilitation progresses.
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